Chapter 3: The Disposal
Rowan and his gang moved with grim efficiency as they hauled Madison's unconscious body out of the van. The lake loomed dark and silent in the moonlight, its surface like a black mirror reflecting their twisted actions back at them. The group was somber, their earlier sadistic delight replaced by the cold calculation of self-preservation.
"We have to make this look like an accident," Rowan said, his voice low but commanding. "No loose ends."
They nodded, grimly focused on their task. Madison's body, now limp and lifeless, was carried to the edge of the lake. They stripped away the remaining shreds of her dress, their actions methodical and detached, as if dealing with a mere object rather than a human being.
One of the boys, Trevor, glanced nervously at Rowan.
"Are you sure this will work?"
Rowan's eyes flashed with anger.
"Do you have a better idea?" he snapped. "We need to make it look like she drowned. Get her in the van."
With a grimace, Trevor helped the others load Madison’s body back into the van. They pushed it towards the steep incline leading into the lake, the vehicle’s weight making the task laborious and slow. The moon disappeared behind a cloud, casting the scene into even deeper darkness.
"On three," Rowan instructed, positioning himself at the rear of the van.
"One, two, three."
With a final heave, they pushed the van over the edge. It rolled down the incline, gaining momentum before crashing into the lake with a resounding splash. The water swallowed it quickly, leaving only a few bubbles to mark its descent.
Rowan wiped the sweat from his brow, his face a mask of determination.
"Now, let's go to the police. Remember, we stick to the story."
They trudged back to their cars, the silence between them heavy with unspoken fears and guilt. As they drove to the nearest police station, Rowan rehearsed their fabricated tale in his mind, determined to protect their secret at all costs.
At the police station, Rowan took the lead, his voice steady and composed as he relayed their version of events to the officer on duty.
"We were driving by the lake," he said, his tone filled with false sorrow.
"We hit something, and the van went out of control. It crashed into the lake. We tried to save Madison, but it was too late. She was trapped inside."
The officer took notes, his expression skeptical but professional.
"And you managed to escape?"
"Yes," Rowan replied, his voice cracking with feigned emotion.
"We barely made it out in time. Please, you have to believe us. It was an accident."
The officer looked at the group, noting their disheveled appearances and the haunted look in their eyes. He sighed, nodding.
"We'll send a team to recover the van and Madison’s body. Stay here until we have more information."
Hours later, the police recovered the van from the lake. Madison's lifeless body was pulled from the wreckage, her skin pale and waterlogged. Rowan and his gang watched from a distance, their expressions carefully crafted masks of grief and shock.
The police chief, a grizzled veteran named Officer Harris, approached them. "We've recovered the body".
Rowan nodded, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you, Officer. We’re just devastated."
The Gold Bachelors were released into the custody of their billionaire parents, who arrived with lawyers and promises of cooperation. The police, faced with powerful influence and pressure, reluctantly agreed to let them go.
---
Meanwhile, at the morgue, Naomi and her parents arrived in a state of shock and disbelief. Naomi's heart ached with a grief so profound it felt like a physical wound. She clung to Calvin, who had accompanied them, his presence a small comfort in the face of overwhelming sorrow.
The morgue was cold and sterile, the harsh fluorescent lights casting everything in an unforgiving glare. Naomi's mother, Linda, clutched her husband's arm, her face pale and drawn. Her father, Thomas, was a picture of stoic devastation, his eyes hollow and red-rimmed.
A coroner, Dr. Evans, approached them with a somber expression.
"I'm very sorry for your loss," he said gently. "We've done everything we can to make her comfortable."
Naomi swallowed hard, trying to hold back her tears.
"Can we see her?"
Dr. Evans nodded.
"Of course. This way, please."
They followed him to a small, dimly lit room. Madison lay on a metal table, her body covered by a white sheet. Naomi felt a sob rise in her throat as she stepped closer, her eyes fixed on her sister’s face.
Linda broke down, her sobs echoing in the small room.
"My baby," she cried, her voice choked with anguish. "How could this happen?"
Thomas placed a comforting arm around his wife, his own tears flowing freely.
"We’ll find out, Linda. We’ll get to the bottom of this."
Naomi reached out, her hand trembling as she touched Madison's cold cheek. "This wasn't an accident," she whispered, her voice filled with conviction. "Rowan and his friends did this. I know it."
Calvin stepped forward, his face pale but determined.
"Naomi's right. We have to do something. We can’t let them get away with this."
Dr. Evans looked at them with sympathy. "The police are conducting an investigation. If there's any evidence of foul play, it will come to light."
Naomi shook her head, anger and grief intertwining. "The police won't do anything. Those boys are protected by their parents' money and influence. We need to find the truth ourselves."
Thomas nodded, his jaw set with determination. "We’ll do whatever it takes. Madison deserves justice."
As they left the morgue, Naomi felt a cold resolve settle over her. She would uncover the truth about what happened to her sister, no matter the cost. And she would make sure those responsible paid for their crimes.
---
In the following days, the news of Madison's tragic death spread through the town. The official story of an unfortunate accident was accepted by most, but Naomi and Calvin couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story.
One evening, Naomi sat in her room, surrounded by photos of her and Madison. She picked up a picture of them at the prom, both of them smiling and happy. Her heart ached with the loss, but it also burned with a fierce determination.
Calvin entered the room, his expression serious. "I’ve been doing some digging," he said, holding up a folder. "I found some things that might help us."
Naomi looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. "What did you find?"
Calvin opened the folder, revealing a series of documents and photos. "I talked to some people who know Rowan and his gang. They’ve done things like this before—bullying, assault. But they’ve always gotten away with it because of their parents."
Naomi clenched her fists, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. "We need to expose them. We need to show everyone what they really are."
Calvin nodded. "I agree. But we need to be careful. They’re powerful, and they won’t hesitate to silence us if they feel threatened."
Naomi's eyes flashed with determination. "I’m not afraid. They took my sister from me. I won’t stop until they pay for what they did."
Together, they began to piece together the evidence, determined to uncover the truth and bring justice for Madison. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but Naomi's resolve was unshakeable. She would not rest until those responsible for her sister’s death were held accountable.